VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 3

Resilience is the capacity to overcome, withstand, and grow from a challenge. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we are reminded of the resilience and indomitability of the women who uplift our South Asian communities. 

While March marks a month of hope and renewal, we also acknowledge the significance of cancer screenings. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, with almost two million new cases diagnosed each year. CRC screening and testing is critical for individuals above the age of 45 or those with underlying lifestyle risk factors. While research among SA populations is limited, studies show that SAs have generally low screening rates and are unaware of CRC screening recommendations. Modifying certain lifestyle habits, such as increasing physical activity and introducing a high-fiber diet, can decrease one’s likelihood of developing CRC later in life, however, screening early and often is best practice. 

Utilizing a culturally sensitive approach, we urge our SAPHA community to encourage your loved ones to screen for CRC regularly if they are at an increased risk or above the age of 45. 



Utilize SAPHA's Research Hub to dive deeper into CRC and how it impacts our community. The South Asian IBD Alliance (SAIA) also has resources available specific to patients who may be experiencing chronic gastrointestinal issues overlapping with CRC screens. 

Celebrating the Fearless & Resilient Women Advancing Public Health

SAPHA is highlighting extraordinary women across the country who are actively contributing to South Asian public health advancements. These women have dedicated their lives to uplifting their communities through leadership, research, and advocacy. 



Read their stories on our Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin pages.

Partnership Spotlight

We are proud to share that SAPHA is joining the Study of Mindful Aging and Racial Trajectories (SMART), led by Dr. Sunghee Lee from the University of Michigan’s Institute of Social Research, as a member organization on the study’s community advisory board. A collaborative effort (funded by the National Institute on Aging) between researchers at the University of Michigan, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and State University of New York at Albany, SMART aims to study the connection between cognitive health and social relationships as people age. As one of the community partners, SAPHA will advise on several aspects of the study including recruitment, data collection, communication tool development, data interpretation and dissemination of findings to ensure the needs of our communities are met. For more information on SMART, please visit the study’s website: https://smart.isr.umich.edu/. 

🎙️ICYMI: SAPHA Spotlight Series:

Season 2 Podcast Launch🎙️

SAPHA’s Spotlight Series returned with a new season celebrating the South Asian leaders, researchers, and changemakers who have shaped American public health. Season 2 — “Our Stories, Our Impact” — highlights the scientific breakthroughs, community-led initiatives, and public health innovations driven by South Asians across the country.

Our first episode of Season 2  just released, featuring Dr. Alka Kanaya, Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco and founding investigator of the MASALA Study.

🎧 Listen now:

Listen on Spotify: https://buff.ly/tZMzB2h

Listen on YouTube: https://buff.ly/XLwLdN6

Upcoming Events

On March 25th, the 2026 Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Health Summit will air virtually and bring together policymakers, healthcare leaders, researchers, and advocates to tackle urgent issues—from workforce shortages and data equity to health disparities and rising care costs impacting our communities. 

Check out SAPHA President, Samira Khan, on one of the panels: “From Guam to Flushing: Mapping Health Disparities Across Our Communities.” Learn more about the panel as well as others and register for the virtual summit here.

Webinar - Caste 101: Why and How Caste Matters in

South Asian Health Research

The Poetic Justice Foundation, in collaboration with the South Asian Health Research Hub, will deliver a webinar examining caste as a structural determinant of South Asian health on Thursday March 26th from 12 to 1:30PM (ET). You can register here.

Stanford Indo-Pak March 2026 Conference

For the first time ever, Indian and Pakistani diaspora leaders are gathering at Stanford to reimagine the future of India-Pakistan together from

March 31st to April 1st.

Attend: https://stanford.indopakdosti.org/

Pitch your startup: https://forms.gle/25VhNTn76TtVJ8Mq8



Volunteer - Join the organizing team: https://forms.gle/k6xNYQ7xGrZcb9ax7

Research suggests South Asian women may face a significantly higher risk of uterine fibroids. The Juggernaut reported on why this condition remains overlooked and underdiscussed in the community, and see the publication, referenced here.

According to data from the MASALA and MESA cohorts, South Asian adults in the U.S. develop heart disease risk factors earlier than other racial and ethnic groups. By age 45, South Asian participants had higher rates of prediabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia compared to White, Black, Chinese, and Hispanic adults — despite healthier lifestyle habits overall. Read the publication here.

A new study reveals significant ethnic disparities in trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms among American Muslims, underscoring the need for culturally and contextually informed mental health care. By identifying how trauma experiences differ across ethnic groups, the findings support the development of more equitable, targeted interventions for immigrant and minority communities.

Are you recruiting participants for a study or interested in having your recent publication featured in our newsletter? We’d love to help amplify your work.

To be considered, please email saphaboard@gmail.com with the following:

• Study recruitment: Submit flyers in .png format
• Publications: Include a link to the full publication



We look forward to supporting and sharing your research with our community.

If you’ve enjoyed SAPHA’s content and updates, please consider supporting our work this March. Your generosity helps us expand our programs, strengthen outreach, and provide important resources to the communities we serve.



Every gift helps sustain and grow this work. Thank you for being part of the SAPHA community.

✅Donate to expand South Asian public health today

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SEASON 2 | EPISODE 1

South Asian Public Health Association Spotlight Series

Season 2: Our Stories, Our Impact

The South Asian Public Health Association Spotlight Series returns with a new season dedicated to celebrating the South Asian leaders, pioneers, and changemakers who have helped shape the landscape of American public health.

Season 2 highlights the scientific breakthroughs, community-led initiatives, and public health innovations driven by South Asians across the country. Through conversations with researchers, clinicians, public health practitioners, and advocates, we explore the studies that transformed our understanding of chronic disease in South Asian communities, the programs founded to meet community needs, and the journeys that led leaders into public health, research, and advocacy. This season celebrates the impact South Asians have made, and continue to make, on the nation’s health, while also highlighting the ongoing work needed to advance equity, prevention, and community-centered care.

Episode 1

Featuring Alka Kanaya, MD

We are honored to launch Season 2 with Dr. Alka Kanaya, Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and founding investigator of the MASALA Study. In this episode, Dr. Kanaya discusses her journey into public health research and the creation of the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study, the first and only longitudinal cohort study dedicated to understanding cardiometabolic disease risk among South Asians in the United States. Through this conversation, we explore what the MASALA study has revealed about heart disease risk in South Asian communities, the biological and social factors shaping that risk, and how the study’s findings have influenced national screening guidelines and clinical care.

Listen to this episode on Youtube

or

Listen to this episode on Spotify

Learn more about Dr. Kanaya below:

Dr. Alka Kanaya is Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics and a practicing general internist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She received her MD in 1995 and completed internal medicine residency and fellowship training at UCSF in 2001.

Dr. Kanaya’s research focuses on type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease epidemiology and prevention, particularly to better understand Asian American health disparities. She is the founding investigator of the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study, a community-based prospective cohort designed to identify sociocultural, behavioral, and biologic risk factors that contribute to the high rates of diabetes and heart disease among South Asians.

Findings from the MASALA study have influenced national screening guidelines from the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology, helping improve how clinicians identify and address cardiometabolic risk in South Asian patients.

Additional Resources:

In our podcast, Dr. Kanaya discussed in detail the MASALA study as well as the Brown Heart documentary. You can also find a link to the MASALA study on SAPHA's Research Hub.

Listen to this episode on Youtube

or

Listen to this episode on Spotify

Thanks for checking out SAPHA!

We are constantly finding new ways to promote the health and wellbeing of all our South Asian communities. We do this through advocacy, education and fostering meaningful partnerships in the community! Learn more about our mission or make a donation at sapha.org!

If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to support our work so that we can continue to put out engaging content, please consider donating to us:

Subscribe to SAPHA’s Spotlight Series to hear more captivating discussions with trailblazers in public health.



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VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 2

As we welcome February and observe Heart Month, we are reminded of the urgent need to advance cardiovascular health within our community. South Asians face a disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, with studies showing that nearly 50% of heart attacks occur before the age of 50. On average, South Asians develop coronary artery disease up to a decade earlier than the general population. These sobering statistics underscore the importance of targeted education, dedicated research, and culturally relevant resources to address and reduce this growing health disparity.

Over the past few years, we have deepened our commitment to advancing South Asian heart health. We strengthened our collaboration with OurHealth, expanded academic partnerships to support national studies focused on South Asian cardiovascular risk, and continued to grow our Cardiovascular and Diabetes Toolkit to better equip individuals, clinicians, and public health professionals with culturally relevant resources.

Through our South Asian Research Hub and our spotlight on South Asian public health professionals, we are also amplifying the science and the stories driving innovation and shaping the future of heart health. Together, we can build a stronger foundation for prevention, early detection, and equity in cardiovascular care. 

Welcome to our New Board Members

We are thrilled to welcome our newest Board members: Mira Agneshwar, Aisha Bhimla, and Syeda Hasan. We’re excited to learn from their experiences, grow alongside their leadership, and work together to strengthen and serve the SAPHA community. 

More information about our Board of Directors can be found here. 

The Heart Risks That Medicine Kept Missing

New research from University of California, San Francisco is reshaping what we thought we knew about heart health in South Asian communities. A groundbreaking study reveals that traditional measures like BMI may miss dangerous “hidden” fat and overlook risk in patients who appear healthy by standard tests. In this feature for UCSF Magazine, Rachel Tompa explores how these findings are challenging long-held assumptions and transforming the way doctors screen for heart disease. Read the article here. 

Funding Early-Stage Research and Training in Women's Health

The Foundation for Women's Wellness supports innovative early-stage research and professional development to improve women’s health. Research Awards fund short-term studies at U.S. medical institutions focused on major women’s health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, female cancers, hormone-related health, and diseases disproportionately affecting women. Fellowship Awards support emerging physicians and scientists pursuing advanced training in women’s health disciplines. Learn more at The Foundation for Women’s Wellness. 

Opportunity for Former and Current New York & New Jersey Service Providers to Inform Needs of South Asian Women Facing Domestic Violence

Afiya Imam, a member of SAPHA’s Research Committee, is conducting her honors thesis on how domestic violence (DV) service providers construct and address the needs of South Asian survivors. The purpose of the research is to center South Asian focused organizations that address the unique challenges South Asian women face in navigating DV. 

Through in-person interviews, Afiya is looking to learn from former and current service providers from organizations in the NY/NJ area about the work they do with DV survivors. Appropriate ethical and confidential measures will be maintained for the interview process, abiding by IRB approved protocols.



If interested in being part of these interviews, please contact Afiya directly via email (ahi2009@nyu.edu). 

Are you recruiting participants for a study or interested in having your recent publication featured in our newsletter? We’d love to help amplify your work.

To be considered, please email saphaboard@gmail.com with the following:

• Study recruitment: Submit flyers in .png format
• Publications: Include a link to the full publication



We look forward to supporting and sharing your research with our community.

As we move through February, a month centered on care and connection, we’re inspired to continue building on the incredible momentum from our recent Conference and Gala and to deepen SAPHA’s impact in the year ahead.

Your generosity fuels the work that matters. With your support, we’re able to expand vital initiatives like the National South Asian Health Database, our year-round webinar series, practical toolkits and resources for public health professionals, and meaningful networking and mentorship opportunities for students and emerging leaders.

A gift this February is more than a donation—it’s an investment in community-centered programs, shared learning, and lasting connections. Together, we can continue advancing health equity and strengthening the South Asian public health community throughout 2026 and beyond.



Thank you for being part of our community.

✅Donate to expand South Asian public health today

Know someone who might enjoy these newsletters?

Ask them to sign up for our email list here.

Follow us on social media for tips, resources,

and community health updates

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 1

A Letter from SAPHA's President

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well as we welcome a new year and renew our shared commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing of South Asian communities across the United States. As I enter my fifth year serving as President of SAPHA, I remain deeply humbled by the trust you place in this organization and inspired by all we have built together. 2025 marked one of the most transformational periods in SAPHA’s 26-year history, as highlighted by our inaugural national conference and gala, reflecting the depth, growth, and collective leadership of our community.

Last year, SAPHA achieved significant milestones that include:

Advancing Research and Knowledge: SAPHA deepened its role as a national resource for South Asian health scholarship by launching the South Asian Research Hub, a first-of-its-kind platform functioning as a “South Asian PubMed” where researchers, practitioners, and community members can easily explore the full landscape of studies and data on South Asian health. We also expanded our commitment to data visibility through the launch of our Disaggregating Diversity initiative, which compiles and links all publicly available datasets that provide South Asian–specific health outcomes data, making it easier for advocates, researchers, and policymakers to access meaningful, community-relevant information.

Developing High-Impact Educational and Research Resources: SAPHA continued producing tools that bridge research, advocacy, and community education. This included new toolkits on caste and discrimination, climate and environmental health, and combating mental health misinformation. We also released our Misinformation and South Asian Health Landscape Report, a research product that examines how misinformation spreads within South Asian American communities across topics such as vaccines, chronic disease, mental health, and reproductive health. Through case studies, cultural analysis, and policy recommendations, the report highlights the real-world consequences of misinformation and offers strategies for culturally grounded intervention. In addition, SAPHA expanded its vaccine education efforts by creating two new resources: the Vaccine Myth-Buster One-Pager for communities and the Vaccine Hesitancy in South Asian Communities Provider Resource Guide.

Engaging Events and Community Education: Throughout 2025, SAPHA continued to bring together experts, advocates, and community members through high-impact events. We hosted a webinar on cancer prevention, a health equity workshop on economic justice, and a workshop on addressing vaccine hesitancy. SAPHA also supported the data collection efforts of the Collaborative Approach for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Research and Education (CARE) 2.0 study. In alignment with this partnership, we conducted recruitment and outreach events to strengthen study representation and community engagement. If you’re a researcher interested in adding SAPHA as a community partner on research studies for community outreach, reach out to us! 

Our Inaugural SAPHA Gala and National Conference: One of the most significant milestones in SAPHA’s history took place in 2025, when we convened our first-ever national conference and gala. This landmark gathering brought together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, advocates, and community partners for a powerful two days of learning, collaboration, and celebration. The fireside chat with Asma Khalid and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal served as a powerful centerpiece for the gala, elevating national dialogue on South Asian health equity and reinforcing the importance of collective action in this moment. We were especially grateful to the many past SAPHA board members who joined us in person, supported planning efforts, contributed as speakers, and continued to champion SAPHA’s mission through their time, expertise, and financial generosity. Their presence underscored the continuity of SAPHA’s legacy and the collective strength of our national network.

Strengthening National Presence and Coalition-Building: SAPHA continued to expand its presence on the national stage through active participation in key convenings and partnerships. We contributed to national discussions at Roundglass India Center’s South Asian Health Research and Rights webinar and at the APAICS 2025 Health Summit, where SAPHA helped shape conversations on disaggregating data for AANHPI health equity. In parallel, SAPHA strengthened its collaborative advocacy work by joining the South Asian Coalition, expanding opportunities to coordinate efforts across organizations serving South Asian communities. Throughout the year, we also released timely statements on current events and continued building relationships with partners across sectors.



These accomplishments reflect the dedication, creativity, and passion of our board members, network, committee members, interns, and supporters. Your collaboration continues to be the driving force behind SAPHA’s impact.

As we enter 2026, we do so during a time of continued challenges for the public health field, including sustained funding cuts, shifting federal directives, rapidly evolving vaccine and health guidelines, and a fast-moving policy environment that affects the daily realities of the communities we serve. Many South Asian Americans are navigating heightened uncertainty, ongoing policy changes, and increased fear due to evolving immigration enforcement actions. These conditions underscore the urgent need for culturally grounded, trusted public health infrastructure. Even in this unpredictable environment, SAPHA remains committed to being a steady and reliable voice by offering evidence-based resources, community-informed guidance, and responsive advocacy. Together, we will navigate 2026 with resilience, collaboration, and a shared commitment to health equity.

As we look ahead, our work will continue to be shaped by the strength, dedication, and leadership of the people who make SAPHA what it is. Our progress is only possible because of the individuals who devote their time, expertise, and heart to this organization. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our outgoing board members for their tremendous contributions to SAPHA: Pavithra Suresh, Anita Makkenchery, and Mushira Khan,. To our continuing board members, Ayesha Azam, Malinee Neelamegam, Rubana Hossain, Amish Doshi, Anto Paul, Navami Naik, Anita Balan, Nawal Umar, Anmol Sharma, Sonia Shah, and Minal Patel, and to those returning to leadership, including Aisha Bhimla, PhD, who rejoins the board as Co-Chair of the Research Committee: welcome and thank you for your continued dedication to SAPHA’s mission. I am excited to work alongside all of you to build on our accomplishments.

I encourage each of you to share your ideas on how SAPHA can continue to grow and better serve our community. For any inquiries or suggestions, please reach out to us at admin@sapha.org.

With gratitude,

Samira Khan, MPH

President, South Asian Public Health Association

Introducing our Board Members

More information about our Board of Directors can be found here.

Addressing an Overlooked Population: The Role of Discrimination and Violence in Depression Among South Asian Female College Students

A new study published in the Journal of Public Health International  from George Washington University School of Public Health examines how discrimination and gender-based violence affect the mental health of South Asian women attending college in the United States. 

Study participants included 673 South Asian female college students in the U.S. found that discrimination and violence are major contributors to depression in this population. More than half reported experiencing discrimination on campus, two-thirds reported violence during college, and one in four met the criteria for depression.

 Day-to-day discrimination and experiences of violence were both strong predictors of depressive symptoms, even after accounting for demographic factors. Bisexual and questioning students faced especially high risk. The findings highlight discrimination and violence as critical social determinants of mental health and point to the urgent need for culturally responsive counseling services, intersectional campus policies, and evidence-based interventions to support South Asian women in higher education.

✅ Read the full study here

For South Asians and Medical Providers Across Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex and Texas - Opportunity to Inform Type II Diabetes Program Development

As part of SAPHA’s continued support (in partnership with the University of North Texas Health Science Center) for the NIH’s Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) grant, we are sharing an opportunity for South Asians and medical providers across Texas (particularly those in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex area) to inform the development of a Community Health Ambassador program to address the high prevalence of type II diabetes in the South Asian community in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Participation is voluntary and a $10 Amazon gift card will be provided to each respondent. Your responses will help create a program that is culturally relevant, respectful, and responsive to the unique needs, experiences, and traditions of South Asian individuals and families. Eligibility information and links to each of the surveys (patient and provider are below):

Patient survey eligibility is based on the following factors:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be of South Asian descent (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepali, Bhutanese, or Maldivian)
• Does not need to have type II diabetes or have a family history of it, but should feel that they are at risk for developing diabetes in the future

Patient survey: https://unthsc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6L8bXEGjrYbvtQ2 

Provider survey eligibility is based on the following factors:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must currently practice medicine and work with South Asian patients
• Must care for patients who have type II diabetes or are at risk for diabetes

Provider survey: https://unthsc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJM7jqVfr2IRZiu 

Upon completion of the survey, please write in either Amish Doshi or SAPHA as the name of referral.

Start the New Year by Supporting SAPHA's Mission

As we look ahead to a new year, we’re excited to build on the momentum from our recent Conference and Gala and continue growing SAPHA’s impact.

Your support makes it possible for us to expand essential programs, including the National South Asian Health Database, our year-round webinar series, toolkits and resources for public health professionals, and networking and mentorship opportunities for students and emerging leaders.

A gift at the start of the year helps set the foundation for more community-centered programs, learning opportunities, and connections in the months ahead. Together, we can continue advancing health equity and strengthening the South Asian public health community in 2026 and beyond.

Thank you for being part of this work.



✅Donate to expand South Asian public health today

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SEASON 1 | EPISODE 11

South Asian Public Health Association Spotlight Series

SAPHA continues its journey into the world of podcasts with our latest installment! Introducing the eighth episode of the South Asian Public Health Association Spotlight Series, where we dive deep into the extraordinary careers and journeys of public health pioneers, with a special focus on the South Asian community.

In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the South Asian Public Health Association, each episode promises enlightening discussions, motivational narratives, and an intimate exploration of the impactful contributions made by former SAPHA board members, shaping the landscape of public health.

We present our eleventh episode of the series featuring Isha Weerasinghe, MSc

Our eleventh episode features Isha Weerasinghe. Isha is the Associate Director for Mental Health and Well-Being at the Center for Law and Social Policy, focusing on youth, young adults, and mothers. She previously served as Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Association for Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations , where she worked on improving access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA&NHPIs). She also served on the Board of Directors for SAPHA on the membership committee and executive committee during 2015- 2017. 

Listen to us on Youtube!

Listen to us on Spotify!

Learn more about Isha below:

Isha Weerasinghe is the Center for Law and Social Policy’s associate director of mental health and well-being. She works on reframing and making improvements to the mental health system, focusing on communities of color and other communities on the margins. Ms. Weerasinghe previously was the director of policy and advocacy at the Association for Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), where she advocated for better access to linguistically concordant and culturally responsive care for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA&NHPIs). She also led/participated in city and national coalition building and provided policy guidance on the local and national-levels, for AA&NHPI-serving community health centers and organizations, in health access and equity. Ms. Weerasinghe conducted community based participatory research, as well as local and state policy advocacy at New York University’s Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH), working within New York City and New York state. She started her federal policy career to improve the lives of people living with hepatitis B. Isha has a B.A. in biology from Bryn Mawr College, and a M.Sc. in health policy and demography from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is the board Vice Chair of Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso (FAN DC) and is the board Chair of 9to5: National Association of Working Women.

Listen to us on Youtube!

Listen to us on Spotify!

Subscribe to SAPHA’s Spotlight Series to hear more captivating discussions with trailblazers in public health.

YouTube

Spotify

Thanks for your interest in SAPHA!

We are continually striving to enhance the health and well-being of our diverse South Asian communities. Through advocacy, education, and meaningful community partnerships, we are dedicated to making a positive impact. Learn more about our mission or contribute to our cause by visiting sapha.org!

If you enjoyed this podcast and want to support our efforts in creating engaging content, please consider making a donation.

Subscribe to SAPHA’s Spotlight Series to hear more captivating discussions with trailblazers in public health.



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